While phytocannabinoids can be found in a number of foods, such as black pepper, cloves, oregano and chocolate, the levels found in any of them aren’t significant. “Hemp is the richest source,” says Germano.

Finding the link between the ECS and hemp’s phytocannabinoids has profound implications for people searching for a natural way to deal with a wide range of health problems.

Hemp for Pain

Hemp can have dramatic effects on pain and the inflammation that often causes it.

Joints and other tissues contain receptors that allow cannabinoids to play a role in regulating the perception of pain, which indicates just how important these substances are for pain relief. Phytocannabinoids have been found to ease mild to moderate pain, especially when inflammation is present. Hemp may even help reduce the need for powerful painkillers, which are thought to help drive the recent increase in addiction to heroin and other opioid drugs.

“Phytocannabinoids help keep our ECS functioning properly,” states Germano. “While some of these compounds have either a direct or an indirect ability to reduce inflammation and pain, it is our body’s own ECS that is intertwined with the inflammatory pathways of the body—pathways that control inflammation and pain. Numerous clinical trials have demonstrated both safety and efficacy for phytocannabinoids in neuropathic pain, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disorders and cancer pain.”

Cannabinoids in hemp can also help reduce anxiety and create a more restful sleep.

Receptors in the brain for serotonin—the feel-good neurotransmitter best known for helping control mood—respond to cannabinoids. That creates an anti-anxiety and anti-depressant effect that quiets the brain and encourages a sense of calm.

Hemp usage has been found to foster a stage of deep sleep called REM; a lack of REM can result in anxiety, irritability and difficulty concentrating. What’s more, hemp’s sleep-promoting effects don’t come with daytime drowsiness and other side effects that can result from the use of insomnia medications.

“Several studies have clearly shown that when you support the endocannabinoid receptors within the brain, some of the effects include controlling anxiety as well as lowering heart rate and blood pressure in response to stress,” states Germano. “In addition, supporting the ECS with phytocannabinoids can help reduce anxiousness and stress in the body as evidenced in studies on healthy volunteers and those with clinical social anxiety disorders. Lastly, the data suggests that anxiety is associated with decreased endocannabinoids in the body.”

Article courtesy of Energy Times magazine March/April 2018 issue. Please visit our website www.cdrnaturals.com for more information on this and other great health topics. Remember this article is for information only. Do not make any changes in your diet or lifestyle without first consulting with your preventive health care provider. We always pray for your prosperity and health, 3 John 2, blessings, Donna.